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Connecting to the Outlook Terminal Server

ACNS is hosting an "Outlook Terminal Server" to be used in instances where people need to configure a setting only available using an Outlook client and either do not have access to an Outlook client installed on a PC or if a user's PC login does not allow them to configure an Exchange setting such as delegate access. The process to connect to the Outlook Terminal Server, which can be done via the web or an on-campus Remote Desktop session is outlined below.

Notes regarding the Outlook Terminal Server

  • The terminal server is not intended to act as a means to check and/or send e-mail. There are a limited number of connections that can be used simultaneously. Please logoff when you are finished!
  • Login sessions are limited to 15 minutes.

Connecting via the web

  • You must be using Internet Explorer (version 6 or newer) in order to connect to the Outlook Terminal Servers using a web browser.
  • Connecting to the Outlook Virtual Machine using Internet Explorer is limited to computers on campus. If you are off-campus, you must first login to the CSU VPN.
  • Connecting to the Outlook Terminal Server using Internet Explorer requires the installation of a "Remote Desktop Web Connection ActiveX" control. You must have administrative priveleges on your PC in order to install the ActiveX control. Please work with your local IT support staff if you need to install the ActiveX control but do not administrative priveleges on your PC.
  • If you are unable to install the ActiveX control even with administrative rights to your PC and receive an error stating "Remote Desktop Web Connection ActiveX control could not be installed. A connection cannot be made without a working installed version of the control. Please contact the server administrator.", your PC probably has the Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP (KB925876) update installed. If that is the case, you can connect to the Outlook Virtual Machine using the Windows Remote Desktop Client - the steps to do that are at the bottom of this page.
  1. Using Internet Explorer, click here to launch a remote session.
  2. Install the Remote Desktop ActiveX control if you are prompted to do so.
  3. Click the Connect button.
  4. Enter your eName and ePassword in the "User name" and "Password" fields. If the Log on to option is visible, select Colostate from the list.
  5. Click OK to login.
  6. Once the remote session begins, click the Outlook icon on the desktop to launch Outlook. Outlook is preconfigured to open connected to your email account. You may be prompted to enter your initials at startup.
  7. Configure the desired settings within Outlook. Refer to other tips and tricks as necessary.
  8. Close Outlook.
  9. To logoff, either double-click the Logoff icon on the desktop or click Start > Logoff from the Start menu to end the session.

Connecting using a Windows Remote Desktop Client

  • In order to use the Remote Desktop, you must be using a PC with Windows XP; if you are using a PC with Windows 2000, you can download and install the Remote Desktop client from Microsoft.
  • Remote Desktop connections are limited to computers on campus. If you are off-campus, you must first login to the CSU VPN and then make the remote desktop connection to the Outlook Terminal Server.
  1. From your PC, choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection. Note that in some instances, the "Remote Desktop Connection" shortcut may be located directly in the "Accessories" folder.
  2. Enter OUTLOOKVM1.ACNS.COLOSTATE.EDU in the "Computer" field. Click Connect.
  3. Enter your eName in the User name field and your ePassword in the Password field. If the Log on to option is visible, select Colostate from the list. Click OK.
  4. Once the remote session begins, click the Outlook icon on the desktop to launch Outlook. Outlook is preconfigured to open connected to your email account. You may be prompted to enter your initials at startup.
  5. Configure the desired settings within Outlook. Refer to other tips and tricks as necessary.
  6. Close Outlook.
  7. To logoff, either double-click the Logoff icon on the desktop or click Start --> Logoff from the Start menu to end the session.